Knitting

Alison Ellen
Knitting: colour, structure and design takes a fresh approach to knitting, examining not just the look of a knitted pattern, but how the knitted fabric can be altered with different stitches to change its stretch, drape and thickness. Once understood, the design and application potential of this textile technique is thrilling and endless. Topics covered include: basic stitches, including many different ways of casting on and off, both decorative and functional; new approaches to construct fabric in any direction (not necessarily starting at the bottom and finishing at the top) in order to make any shape without sewn seams; an in-depth section on colour giving design ideas and techniques for knitting with colour and advice on dyeing your own yarns, including decorative effects such as dip-dyeing and tie-dyeing yarn. There are knitting patterns to suit a range of body shapes, with directions for personalizing these to your own requirements. Written by a revered craftsman, this beautifully illustrated book encourages and inspires both experienced knitters and those new to the technique to have the confidence to experiment and develop their own designs.
Knitting by Alison Ellen

About the author

Having trained in textile design and worked in textiles while bringing up her family, Alison Ellen began making hand knitwear in the 1980s and went on to teach short courses and textiles groups. Inspired by her research into knitting history and technique, she wrote two books on knitting, including the bestselling Hand Knitting - new directions (Crowood Press). Alison sells her work though fairs and craft galleries. Direct contact with her customers has made a major contribution to her approach in designing for different body shapes. This book includes many of her classic designs, and comes from thirty years' experience of designing, teaching and exploring the versatile technique of hand knitting.

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